Ice_Ice_Brady

9-point underdogs and maybe more by kickoff. Here are the reasons I think they will win.

1. Roethlisberger's absence does not solve Baltimore's pitiful offense over the last month. The Ravens have completely fallen apart since being the "best offense in the AFC" through the first three games. Even without Polamalu, the Steelers still have a top-rated defense.

2. Roethlisberger is not that good. He makes a lot of great plays but also takes a lot of huge sacks by backpedaling and throws dumb, rookie interceptions. I don't think any guy in his first start is an upgrade, but the Steelers have a lot of playmakers. In my opinion, Brady or Manning would each put up over 4500 yards and 30+ TDs with Ward, Holmes, Miller, Wallace, and Mendenhall. The o-line problems are mostly related Big Ben's love of holding the football.

3. The Steelers have owned the Ravens for years. I think if Baltimore does not get a pick-6, they lose this game to a group of hard-nosed guys in white, black, and yellow. I like Pittsburgh's mental toughness and grit, while Baltimore is a bunch of whining brats whose defense is not what it once was. This game will be closer than people are saying. Roethlisberger is just one player, and in my opinion, a very overrated one. I'm predicting Steelers 16-13.

4. Now that I predicted this, the Ravens will probably win 44-3.

Synovia

Thats funny, considering that Roethlisburger was on pace to put up 4600+ yds and 30+ TDs before getting hurt.


Roethlisberger is good. Very good. Yes, he holds onto the ball too long, and causes lots of sacks. He also holds onto the ball and creates plays where every other NFL quarterback gets sacked. The offensive line's problem is that they suck. They can't run block or pass block well.

He makes them look worse at times, but he also makes them look better at times.

Ice_Ice_Brady

Ouch. Nice point on the stats.

What I mean is that Brady or Manning would turn that offense into an absolute wrecking force that would dominate the league.

farn

I choose Ravens with or without Ben.

bostonia3333

I think Pit will pull this out. Steelers own the Ravens, and they are clearly in the Ravens minds. Steelers are a team like the Pats that can find ways to win without their qb. They have that team mentality and grit and will somehow find a way to beat a mistake-prone Ravens team.

IcyPatriot

Will they be airing this hideous commercial?

Synovia

Thats pretty much what their passing offense was. Their run offense is terrible, and their defense fell apart while Polamalu was out.


Roethlisberger makes those "skill players" look much better than they actually are.


Brady and Manning on that offense would just get sacked a whole lot. (although, Roethlisberger would make the colts and Pats both look worse).

Ice_Ice_Brady

It's early, but Dixon is looking pretty darn good right now. Too small a sample size to make a conclusion, but I've never bought that Roethlisberger makes players better. I've seen Brady come within minutes of the Super Bowl with Reche Caldwell and Jabar Gaffney. Holmes was a first-round pick; Miller was a first-round pick; Ward was great before Big Ben got there. These guys are very good.

PATSYLICIOUS

Win or lose, I give you credit for even thinking the Steelers had a shot. I thought it'd be over by this point with the Ravens needing this game badly.